Travel companions can either make or break a vacation, so make sure you choose your company wisely.
This summer, Robin and I agreed to travel alongside another couple. Things didn’t go as planned. The trip ended with an awkward EuroStar ride and the loss of an Instagram follower. Tragic.
Travel companions can either make or break a vacation, so make sure you choose your company wisely. Consider the fact that you’ll be spending days, possibly even weeks sharing accommodations with these people. If things start out somewhat rocky, chances are, they’ll end badly.
After about 72 hours with this pair, it seemed appropriate we part ways. It quickly became clear that our priorities weren’t totally aligned. They wanted to remain loyal to an abnormally strict itinerary, had strict dietary needs and had a fair share of arguments. Fighting during vacation is my worst nightmare and now after enduring it, I can say my draft pick for the next couples trip will be better thought out. Traveling is the rare time where you can find me with a drink in hand being more open minded and adventurous than usual. As Fergie Ferg so eloquently put, “No no drama, we don’t want no drama…”
If you’re thinking of traveling as a group, make sure you consider the following:
1. Do you share similar interests?
Drinks at St. Christopher’s Hostel near London Bridge, free drinks with a group of people traveling from all over the world, met a ton of friends.This is an important question to ask yourself. It’ll determine whether you spend your time surrounded by tourists, or surrounded by locals. Of course, each city has their must-sees, but it’s important to indulge in the culture.
2. When organizing a trip with friends, it’s good to make sure everyone agrees on a budget.
The Louvre at night, after drinks with the lovely Wendy Hung.I traveled while I was unemployed, so I can understand how much strain it puts on a group. If you can’t afford to participate in actives, it’ll either give you a serious case of FOMO or make you feel unprepared by not having money. Make sure your crew has a good understanding as to how much everyone is willing to spend.
3. Finding a balance…
Tipsy Robin in London at St. Christopher’s Hostel at London Bridge.…between dishing it out with your girls and being romantic with your partner while traveling can tough. It’s hard not to gravitate towards your partner, but make sure to appreciate the time spent with your friends. I think we can all agree that if you’re dating, you’re spending more of time with your babe regardless. Take this time to build on a long-term friendship, assuming your travels are less dramatic than mine.
